The AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) ran a 10-day tour in the Northwest, visiting 10 schools and engaging with students from all ages as they discover the beauty and magic of Agriculture!
Starting in Mount Isa, SIPP Community Engagement Officer Emilly Kenny and Northwest Regional Manager Vol Norris set out to connect- with students, with communities, with possibility.
The team visited schools from Mt Isa to Barcaldine and even set up a site at the Hughenden Show with a careers event run for the young attendees on the Friday, showcasing future pathways into ag and showing what a career in this industry could look like.
The tour spanned across 1,633 kilometres and reached an impactful 590 students, from preschool-aged, to year 12 kids about to embark on their next journey. In every classroom, curious questions sparked endless opportunities of agriculture, building pathways for children to see their bright futures.
"It wasn't just something we did; it was something we felt. Seeing students and communities embrace what we brought was a powerful reminder that impact begins with presence." Emily said after getting back from what was a truly 'moving' tour.
She goes on to explain the different activities that gave students hands on experience of life on the farm, and the science and technology behind agriculture.
"From discovering fat molecules in milk to measuring the sugar levels (brix) in different fruits. They learned not just about the processes, but why technology matters. For example, farmers can't always rely on sight or taste alone to know when fruit is ready to pick; that's where tools like refractometers come in. We also did grain identification and tested moisture levels in various grains-again showcasing the importance of technology.
"The VR headsets were a definite highlight, giving students a virtual experience of life on the farm. From potato and pumpkin fields to dairy sheds, pig pens, and sheep stations; they got to see it all. Whether riding quad bikes, flying in helicopters, or sitting behind the wheel of a tractor, it was a fully immersive and seriously cool experience!"
Vol Norris reflected on the tour as a rewarding and powerful, lasting experience for everyone.
"The kids loved it, and so did we. From 4-year-old Kindy kids to senior high school students, there's a light-bulb moment when they catch a glimpse of how farmers create the food they eat and the clothes that they wear every day. It's so rewarding and so powerful when this happens, and it happened a lot on this trip. The teachers welcomed us with open arms and the schools invited us to come back as soon as we can."
